HIS TENDER KISS

I began to cry in bed one night,
But then I felt a nudge;
The gentle touch of my Master’s Hand,
To calm my soul from fright.

He took away the darkness,
Brought peace to flood my heart;
But then I knew His presence deep,
He lingered by my side.

I awoke with such a startle,
My morning wreaked with pain;
The sharpest knife was piercing,
Pricking deep within.

I struggled, grumbled, and complained,
Moaned and groaned and fought;
My restless frame was shrinking fast,
My spirit sinking low.

When I could stand no longer
The pricking and the prod;
I reached out to my Master,
Why did I wait so long?

He showed me such sweet mercy
Applied His soothing balm;
Taming like a wild horse,
Tempered by His rod.

My Master Artist, faithful friend;
Each stroke with perfect skill
Like silver polished, gold refined
Removing dross within.

My Teacher, Leader, Shepherd came
Revived me with His strength;
Then I heard His whisper soft
The sweetest lullaby.

Content to let My Master train
This servant to the end;
I finally knew His tender kiss,
But only from within.

I asked Him why this had to be;
Could I be holding back?
I longed to know Him stronger,
“More closer, Lord, to me!”

“My child, you’re still in training,
You’re unprepared thus far;
Like unpruned flowers tend to grow,
All tangled and unkept.

My work is yet unfinished,
But growing with each step;
Just wait a little longer now,
And it will be complete.

Soon I’ll come again
To see you face to face;
You won’t just feel my kiss within,
But pressed against your cheek.”

HIS TENDER KISS